Segisaurus Facts
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 0.4m |
| Length | 1m |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Early Jurassic |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | North America |

| Diet | Carnivore |
| Height | 0.4m |
| Length | 1m |
| Weight | 3 kg |
| Environment | Land |
| Era | Jurassic |
| Period | Early Jurassic |
| Type | Theropod |
| Location | North America |
Segisaurus was a small theropod dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic period, approximately 193 million years ago. This diminutive predator measured just one metre in length, making it one of the smaller dinosaurs known to science. Despite its modest size, Segisaurus was a capable hunter that roamed the ancient landscapes of what is now Arizona.
As a theropod, Segisaurus walked on two legs and possessed the typical carnivorous features of its group, including sharp teeth and clawed hands. Its lightweight build and long legs suggest it was built for speed and agility, likely chasing down small prey such as insects, early mammals, and other small vertebrates. The single known specimen was discovered in the famous red sandstones of Tsegi Canyon, making it the only dinosaur ever found in this particular location.
Segisaurus lived during a time when dinosaurs were still establishing their dominance on Earth. The Early Jurassic period was characterised by warm, humid climates and lush vegetation, providing an ideal environment for small predators like Segisaurus to thrive. Its discovery has helped palaeontologists understand the diversity of small theropods during this crucial period in dinosaur evolution.
Unfortunately, our knowledge of Segisaurus remains limited due to the fragmentary nature of the single known specimen. However, its position within the coelophysid family suggests it shared many characteristics with other early theropods, including a slender build and predatory lifestyle.
Segisaurus was distinguished by its very small size, measuring only one metre in length, and its lightweight, gracile build typical of early theropods. Its proportionally long legs suggest it was adapted for quick movement and agility.
Segisaurus was likely an active daytime hunter that relied on speed and agility to catch small prey. Its small size would have allowed it to pursue insects and small vertebrates through dense vegetation and rocky terrain.
Segisaurus was first described by Charles Camp in 1936. The original fossils were discovered at Tsegi Canyon, Arizona, USA.